FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 29 continued from page 11 o leash. He loves to play with other dogs. And he is just like a kid. He loves, loves, loves, loves hotels. He gallops down the hall to the room, and then jumps all over the bed like a little kid. It’s very cute. I’ve not gotten him in a pool yet. He might enjoy it, probably would, but I don’t wanna start that. When he gets wet, it takes me 45 minutes to dry him. Literally. Even with all of the dogs at the beach getting into the water, I’ve managed to discipline him enough to not get in. We had dinner at Spaghettini on the patio that night. And my capellini pomodoro with shrimp was outstanding. I forgot how great their food is. e eggs Benedict at brunch was crazy good. And, of course, Odysseus loved that cinnamon co ee cake. at was absolutely hysterical. He’s never done anything like that before. (Euge was referring to Odysseus, who was sitting on his lap, and snatched the co ee cake o the table and ate it during our conversation.) e other funny one was when Michael Paulo hit the high notes on his saxophone, Odysseus jumped up from under the table into my lap. He almost took the table out with him getting up there so fast. e Elliots were cracking up. e only time he’s done that before when he’s gotten scared, was on takeo on his rst ight. He had the whole process down really good, with a slight bit of anxiety I can tell, but when that plane accelerated taking o , he was up in my lap in a ash. All that kind of stu is scary to him when it happens for the rst time. He’s still like a little child when learning stu . Note: In a Dec. 12, 2025, Facebook post, Euge let fans in on the story behind his service dog’s name, Odysseus— borrowed from the king of Ithaca and the legendary hero of Homer’s e Odyssey. Just over a year old, Odysseus is a Bernedoodle with quite the family tree: His mom was a 90-pound Bernese mountain dog, his dad a 7-pound poodle. (“Nope, not a typo,” Euge joked.) Along the way, he also shares a bit about the breed, his personal journey training Odysseus as a service dog, and even slips in a fun mini-Greek history lesson. You’ve recently become a grandfather. Can you please describe what that’s been like, and some of your highlights? Oh my God. I have been craving a grandchild for a decade. And really hoping for a girl. It seems I do better with girls. I’m told I’m too hard on boys. Whatever. It’s a tough world out there. Anyway, I’ve been very respectful to my daughter and her husband, who I truly love, and let them have their space to adjust. I hold baby Eleanor every chance I can, but I don’t force myself, even as much as I want to. I have many years to spoil and wreck that child with love. Anything you want to change or update from your Dec. 12 Facebook post? ose pretty much sum it up. It’s really been fun to share my journey over the last several years. And I am so grateful for all the support from all of the smooth jazz fans. When I said hello on mic on Sunday, and walked out to a standing ovation, I had to hold back the waterworks. I was just so touched. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, and I’m not really sure I would be in this place without that. And I’m in a great place. For more information on Euge, including his upcoming tour dates, visit www.eugegroove.com. And, to read his recent health and life journeys, check out his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/euge.groove.9. Euge Groove and Odysseus
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